European Qualifiers: Ukraine edge to 2-0 win against Belarus in Borisov

Ukraine got their points tally moving in the European Qualifiers by edging a tight battle with Belarus 2-0 in Borisov on Thursday.

Both sides toiled for long periods, but Ukraine eventually broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute thanks to Belarus defender Aleksandr Martynovich's own goal and Serhiy Sydorchuk then wrapped up the win in stoppage time.

The victory takes Ukraine up to third in Group C, just behind Spain on goal difference after their shock defeat to Slovakia, while Belarus are second from bottom after two games.

Belarus, who were searching for their first ever competitive win over the visitors, gave a good account of themselves in an uneventful first half at the Borisov Arena.

Roman Zozulya missed a great chance to put the visitors in front 10 minutes before the interval, but his volley from Yevhen Konoplyanka's corner delivery flew over the bar.

The second half was largely as unexciting as the first, with both sides trading tame long-range shots being about as good as it got around the hour mark, but it was Ukraine who were posing more questions.

And they finally got their reward as Belarus defender Martynovich put through his own net from Konoplyanka's ball into the box.

Sydorchuk completed the scoring with a smart finish inside the box, but the final scoreline flattered Ukraine.